#FollowMaterialEvolution
Join us this week on AwakenHub and #FollowMaterialEvolution Elizabeth Gilligan (Liz) on her #femalefounder journey into the world of cement, chemistry and data! Her company Material Evolution transforms the chemistry of cement and is made from 95% waste using their own algorithm technology. This results in concrete that is 10x stronger, 5x more durable, and saves 85% in CO2 emissions. And best of all it’s economically viable and good for the environment. What’s not to love. Read on for a bit of #STEM inspiration and to learn more about Liz and her company.
Q1. How would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Innovating to change the world.
Q2. What prompted you to start your business?
I was completing my PhD in concrete and had become obsessed with the industry; How it worked, why things were done a certain way and how unsustainable it was. I researched like all good academics, but I just couldn’t understand why the industry hadn’t changed. My solution to empower myself through this process was to head into the lab and work.
I wanted to create concrete that was sustainable but not just in terms of carbon, it had to be more durable to last longer. But I didn’t want to spend the next 10 years trying to solve this problem, the planet doesn’t have time. I knew that data was helping to solve some of the world most complex problems, for example in the health care industry, technology has advanced so much, so why couldn’t the construction industry also use data to change the way materials are created.
Once this idea had taken root in me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was going to change everything.
But still I just thought I had an idea, one I really liked but nothing was concrete at that point. But early traction changed everything, I was invited by a large tech company to test our material for their campus re-build in San Jose, I couldn’t believe it. But I still wasn’t convinced, I had to see if this was just a fluke, big tech companies have lots of money and probably spend it on lots of weird things. I then went full tilt into talking to customers; in 8 weeks I had 250 conversations and the industry was interested.
I was lucky enough to be accepted onto Propel Ignite where Chris, Ian and the team taught me how to become an entrepreneur, turning my idea into a business. This is where Material Evolution was born.
Material Evolution is changing the way we make concrete. Our technology transforms the chemistry of cement. This makes concrete that fits seamlessly into the manufacturing process. To do this, we leverage our expertise’s and combine this with machine learning. We create concrete that is economical, durable and sustainable.
Q3. Can you tell us a bit more about you?
I’m a self-proclaimed materials wizard and concrete nerd.
I’m obsessed with how technology can be used to help combat climate change and love talking about it, so if anyone wants to reach out, feel free.
Lockdown has renewed by love for sea swims – I promise you get used to the cold.
Q4. How are you feeling about 2021?
I’m so excited for this year, the journey Material Evolution is set on for 2021 will be game-changing.
We have all had to adapt to how we live and work, but it has reenergised me to focus in on what’s important, this has involved me getting better at using my network and building it out further.
This year personally I want to help other female founders in anyway I can, please reach out and let’s have a virtual coffee.
Q5. How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?
AwakenHub has been an amazing community to be a part of but I don’t think I have fully leaned into what AwakenHub can offer to my business. This year I want to get better at leveraging the network of exceptional female entrepreneurs. Being part of the group makes me feel less alone in an industry where I am sometimes the only woman at the table, it inspires me and gives me support on the journey where I hope to change an industry.
My ask for the network is we are currently looking for an advisor who has worked in the concrete industry at one of the large corporations. If anyone knows someone who fits this, an introduction would be amazing.
If you want to follow our progress.
Newsletter:
paperstreet.vc/material-evolution/subscribe
Twitter:
@Materialliz & @MaterialEvo
Website:
https://www.materialevolution.co.uk
Linkedin:
